Liam McAlister is a big believer in Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species and that it’s not necessarily the strongest or smartest of the species that survives, but the one that’s most adaptable to change.
In fact, it’s that ability to move forward and to lead from the front that inspired him to join Presence Real Estate.
“I wanted to be part of an adaptable company that evolves and continually looks to improve and do things differently,” he said.
“They lead by example and continually adapt to the changes in real estate, rather than doing something one way because that’s the way it’s always been done.
“I believe in Charles Darwin’s theory that it’s not the strongest or the smartest that survive in the wild, but it’s those that are most adaptable that have the most success in it.”
When Mr McAlister joined Presence, he did so bringing with him 10 years’ of experience in real estate in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.
A self-described ‘people-person’, he said he became an agent after a short career in hospitality, and did so because he wanted to ensure vendors and buyers had an enjoyable experience buying or selling.
Mr McAlister said he focused on delivering a professional experience, with clear communication and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
“I tell it like it is and I’m very transparent,” he said.
“I’ve found people like and appreciate that, even if it’s not something they want to hear.
“Good clear communication is something that’s very important in real estate.”
Since joining Presence, Mr McAlister said he had quickly achieved 16 sales and, as Presence attracts higher value property owners, his average sale price has risen as a result, which has swiftly established him as a respected agent in higher priced markets.
But more than that, he’s been able to learn and grow in a high-performance environment that delivers industry-leading training and coaching.
He said there is a vibrant team culture, an employee equity scheme, unlimited service areas and earning potential, all in an environment that takes a holistic approach to real estate, work and life.
“The only limits are those you put on yourself,” Mr McAlister said.
Other elements that attracted Mr McAlister to Presence were its high standard of agent and property marketing and a large, refined, company-managed database.
“It’s such an amazing database in terms of its depth, and that really helps with connecting the right people to the right properties,” Mr McAlister said.
“It’s such a professional approach to everything, and, besides that, they’re just really good humans.”
Mr McAlister said his goals for the next 12 months were crystal clear.
“By the balance of this year I’d like to be writing $1 million in terms of GCI and by mid next year, getting up towards $2 million,” he said.